Gateway To Freedom Torah Notes
Mishpatim – Ordinances
Exodus 21:1-24:18
Haftorah
Jeremiah 33:25-26 & 34:8-22
B’rit Chadashah
Mathew 5:17-32, 5:38-42, 17:1-11 - The higher law and its restoration
II Corinthians 3:14-17 - Reason for the veil
Hebrews 12:18-24 - Contrast of physical & spiritual Sinai
Introduction:
Parasha Mishpatim is an illustration of YHVH's view that there is not two-parts to a man nor separation between a person's secular life and his religious life. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are the three entities of one (echad) God, so is man, one man. He is one man if he is comprised of flesh (body), soul (mind, will, emotions) and spirit or whether he is participating in secular, religious or entertainment activities. From a Hebraic mindset, man is not either fleshy (physical) or spiritual because each is in the other and reflected by the other.
And yet today, the majority of society has been deceived into believing that they can be a different person and act one way in business and another on Shabbat (or Sunday, if that is still your belief system). I would like to say this mindset is more prevalent in the church crowd from which I came than the Jewish community who purport keeping Torah, but it isn't.
In the business of advertising, where I worked for more than thirty years, I associated with many fine Jewish men - some who perceived themselves as piously religious. One of these was even a sometime hunting companion and my client for several years. As a hunting companion, this man was a friend and usually acted accordingly, even as if I were "family." ("Family" is extremely important among most Jews.) However, during business situations he often became a tyrannical, loud, undermining, demeaning individual. When confronted with his behavior he would say, "But Randy, it's only business" - a common expression among my more liberal Jewish associates.
By speaking forth the ordinances of recompense and responsibilities when dealing with other people and when one sinned against God in the same set of instructions, YHVH vividly expressed His view of the whole man. Didn't James also reflect YHVH's view in speaking about the tongue which both blesses and curses, "My brethren, these things ought not so to be"? (James 3:10) Isn't this also the essence of the two laws that summarize all the law and prophets instructions - i.e love God, love your neighbor as yourself? (Mat 22:37-39)
If the church of Christ can't understand and believe that this is so, is it any wonder why we can't accept the laws and ordinances of God as the one standard of life? If we have a separate mindset for different portions of our lives, then the argument for humanistic morals and man directed religious practices and beliefs are easy to rationalize and accept. Once accepted, only the Holy Spirit's revelation can loose mankind from his errant convictions.
Many years ago as we were coming into an understanding of the Hebrew Roots of our faith, I was crossing over the Ambassador Bridge to Windsor, Ontario to teach on keeping the Sabbath. The Ruach ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit) spoke clearly to me saying that “this” is the Gateway To Freedom (thus the name of our ministry). The “this” to which he was referring was His command to keep the Sabbath. Shortly thereafter we were led from the traditional church and began this ministry. I remember the first time I began studying the commandments of today’s parashah, and their Leviticus reaffirmations, I was feeling somewhat uncomfortable. However, I soon realized that the discomfort was not usually with the commandments themselves, but rather my feelings and perceptions of how 1) do I keep these in our modern society and 2) how it would appear to my Christian brethren. And then, I quickly put aside those feelings as I remembered the passage:
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Mark 8:38
Ashamedly, even when the Spirit of Truth opens eyes, many Christians are more concerned with their feelings and fears of man and belonging/acceptance than they are with being led by the Holy Spirit into having a right relationship with God the Father and His Son. In Mathew 5:19 Yeshua clearly states that obedience to the commandments of God will determine our heavenly rewards. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:19)
This blockage of “feelings” along with our Western church teachings has made us reinterpret God’s commandments and Word to fit with our feelings and societal standards. In other words, in emphasizing only the cornerstone of the building, the blood saving sacrifice of Yeshua for eternal salvation, the church has hidden the bedrock of obedience for growth into maturity, blessing and a closer relationship with God. Yeshua, the cornerstone is building His church with bedrock of His Word.
The question of, “What should I do” has been replaced with “what feels good” to do. I have found that those things that discomfort my flesh are usually 1) the very things YHVH is calling me to put down in obedience to His Word or 2) direction for my well being (and my relationship with Him). “How I feel” must be guided by the quickening of the Ruach ha Kodesh within and not my flesh revolting for the discomfort or the fears the enemy is trying to lead me into. God’s standards are unchangeable and not subject to our “feelings” or rationalizations. Yet, the commandments are given for direction and enlightenment by the Spirit of God.
When we began to study the Torah as our life and life-style, I stated, and again restate, that I will not be placed in the position of a Torah “policeman.” Each of YHVH’s children has to come into an understanding of the importance of following His commands. However, each one has to come into that revelation within their own relationship with God by the Holy Spirit and not by my or any one else’s control, judgment, or coercion.
The B’rit Chadashah (New Testament) teaches that blindness to the commandments of YHVH is caused by the absence of the Spirit of God. I was taught that once I was saved and baptized into Christ through faith (just like the Israelites of old) our eyes were opened to all the mysteries of God. But their (Israelites) minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ. (2 Corinthians 3:14)
The passage goes on to say: But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. (2 Corinthians 3:15-16 ) What was the “it” referred to? “It” is the heart of those who have partaken of the Lord’s Passover Lamb and been baptized into Him. Thus, when our heart is toward Christ, and not the world, the veil of blindness is lifted. But, when the world is our focus, it is also the veil to the Word of truth.
In the end of this Torah portion Exodus 24:15, 16 talks about Moses’ approach to God on His seventh trip up the mountain.
“And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount. And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud.
Notice that Moses spent six days fasting, praying and communing in the cloud of His presence (Spirit of the Lord) before he was readied to receive the Word (and then return with the glory upon his face)! Did not Yeshua go into the wilderness to fast, pray and commune with God before He came forth with the Word and with the Spirit of Lord upon Him to do the miracles that followed? So what am I inferring?
Quite simply, our heart must be toward God and we must spend time within the Cloud (Spirit) of His presence so that we can receive the true Word of the Lord. If we try to do it without the Spirit directing us, we will get ourselves in the way of His revelation. The conclusion of this passage affirms this by saying,
“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (freedom not to sin, but rather to overcome). But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Cor 3:17,18)
Thus, we continue to believe that it is not the letter of the law which we must follow. (2 Corinthians 3:6 says, “the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life”) But, rather it is the Spirit of the Law – how YHVH gives revelation for our obedience – that we follow His commands – even to the higher standard that Yeshua taught.
Because, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-25)
These are the evidence of the Spirit whereby we can discern the true nature of the written Word.
Many people believe that Yeshua did away with the law, while others believe he changed it. However, Yeshua said,
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. (Matthew 5:17-18)
Thus, he certainly didn’t do away with the law. Additionally, a close study reveals that He enlightened mankind by teaching the Spirit of the law (which we must also live by) and conveyed the true standard – a higher standard – than that taught or lived by the religious leaders of His day.
As an example that Yeshua did away or changed the law, some would compare the following: The Torah says: Then shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour's goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good. (Exodus 22:11) Thus, in order to affirm the truth of an individual’s statement (or promise), invoking the name of the Lord gave a second and higher witness and thus greater surety.
When we compare this to Yeshua’s teaching, we read:
But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. (Matthew 5:34-37)
Is Yeshua saying, “thou shalt not swear” by another (even YHVH) which has a perceived higher authority? Or, is He telling us to conduct ourselves to a higher standard of authority through our walk that we might be believed for our word alone – “let your yes be yes because it is so and your no be no because it is so also?” If we swear by something more than our word, we would disgrace the other should we not deliver upon our word. By the Spirit of the law, Yeshua is calling his people to a higher standard.
As we study these passages remember that Yeshua summarized the laws into two commands:
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:37-40
Definitions of Law Types
In Hebraic understanding there are actually three different kinds of laws:
- The first is the mishpatim as this study is named today. They are those morally rational judgments of interaction with one another and rules of societal judgments (e.g. Love your neighbor.).
- The second kind of statute is an eidot – a commandment to give testimony or represent something that we wouldn’t have thought of ourselves. e.g. wear tzitzit, blow shofar, eat unleavened bread at Passover, etc (e.g., Love God.).
- The third kind of law is the chukin regulations or decrees that we may not understand but obey because “Elohim says so.” (It’s a daddy thing. He understands, but we don’t - yet.)
These three kinds of laws comprise the mitzvot, (plural of mitzvah) or "body of the Law" contained in the 613 commandments. Fifty three mitzvah are contained in our reading this week. Because we are dealing with so many, I will only comment on a few that seem to have either quickened my spirit to a deeper meaning or demand comment or clarification.
Exo 21:1-6 These passages give the basic rules outlining the property rights of what we would call an indentured male Hebrew servant. An indentured servant is one who is either given by another, or by oneself, to labor for a specified period for a specified debt. Seven years was the maximum length of time for servitude for a Hebrew male. However, in essence, the man would go free, without redemption payment, with only that which he brought into a service. It was a matter of economics and property rights that in the sabbatical year he was only entitled to his freedom and not that of a wife (or their children) owned and given to him while in service. Thus, if neither he, nor a relative, could supply the price of the wife and children, he could “go out” with his freedom to work for another, but he was not entitled to take his wife or children.
However, if he had a good master, he might choose to become a “permanent” servant by going into the “judgment place,” among witness, and seal the agreement with an ear ring. I use the word “permanent” as substitution for “for ever” with the knowledge that in order to fulfill the mishpatim of Leviticus 25:40,41 he and his family would go out without payment in the year of jubilee and return to his family (and land inheritance). Thus the slave that stays with his master may like his circumstances, but is also working for the redemption of his wife and family. According to the Leviticus passages that correspond to these ordinances, this does not apply to a non-Hebrew bond servant or maid servant – they were truly permanent property to be passed on as a heritage to the children.
From this passage let us consider YHVH’s timing for spiritual release. If the things on earth reflect those in heaven, then what does this commandment say about our spiritual release? Is there a sabbatical timing of release from the enemies that entrap us? Are we to work or “walk out our salvation” toward greater spiritual freedom according to an undiscovered sabbatical release timing? Is there a 7th day release (just as Moses was released to be in the presence of God) into a greater glory?
Exo 21:7-11 The rules regarding a Hebrew female given into servitude as a promised bride were different. The woman was to be treated as a daughter. Even if she was rejected as a bride, the master did not have the right of property to sell her into slavery. But, rather she could be redeemed. Further, if the master or his son took another wife, he still had an obligation to provide for her. If the master choose not to render that care, then she could go out free without a redemption price being paid.
Exo 21:12-14 These are the regulations delineating between murder and manslaughter. Notice that YHVH gives refuge from revenge for manslaughter (death without guile), but the murderer is to be even extracted from the altar to be put to death.
Exo 21:15,17 Dishonoring parents by attacking or cursing them should bring the death penalty. While this may seem overly harsh to us, it is a picture of man’s curse of death without the loving, saving relationship with his heavenly Father by faith through the blood sacrifice of Yeshua. Thus, the shadow has to be maintained.
Exo 21:16 Death sentence for enslaving another through kidnapping (theft/destruction of their soul).
Exo 21:18-27 Laws of restitution.
Exo 21:22 These passages deal with the premature birth of a child caused by trauma. If the woman is injured but the baby is fine, then the restitution is determined by the woman’s husband. If, however, there is further injury (v. 23) i.e. injury to the baby (the woman’s injury has been dealt with in v. 22), then the baby is regarded as having full living rights and the penalty is determined accordingly, life for life, etc. Doesn’t this passage demonstrate YHVH’s position on the sanctity of life for the soul of a baby in the womb?
Exo 21:28 Laws of owner responsibility and restitution for loss – depending upon circumstances of having been knowledgeable and/or negligent. (Exo 21:32 Notice the cost for the life of a servant – 30 shekels. A broken covenant – 30 pieces of silver Zech 11:10-12. Christ’s life = 30 pieces of silver)
Exo 22:1 Theft of and killing an ox = fivefold restitution, theft of a sheep = fourfold restitution. Why the difference? The difference is because the loss of time (daily labor) with an ox is also the loss of sustenance. Thus, a payment of penalty and restitution are required.
Exo 22:2-4 A thief who hasn’t killed the animal must render double payment.
Exo 22:14,15 Let us apply this to Yeshua’s call for a higher walk of righteous behavior. What if your neighbor came over and brought his power saw to help build your deck at an agreed upon wage. During the process of construction, you (or he) hit a nail and dulled the saw. According to this mitzvah it would be his problem. However, wouldn’t Yeshua say that in real justice you need to buy or at least contribute for him to buy a new blade? This is how the Spirit of the law (goodness being its fruit) teaches us to have peace among men. How would he feel receiving $20 in wages and having to buy a $25 saw blade? Would that endear you to him?
Exo 22:18 Wizards - restated in Lev 20:27. Reason: Lev 19:31 – They defile God’s people.
Exo 23:4 Don’t ignore the loss of another. Help to restore it fully.
Exo 23:13 Concerning other gods - don’t “mention” – don't be mindful (i.e. give power or speak/teach others of their power). If we accept the common translation of “mention” as “speak” and don’t allow the Spirit to interpret this verse, then we would be subject to the enemy’s accusations every day – as all days are all named after other “gods” (i.e. Sunday, Monday, etc.) However, David counted part of his righteousness as not participating in their drink offerings nor even "taking their names upon his lips." (Ps 16:4)
Exo 23:19 Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk. While we have been taught this was only a command against an act of unkindness toward God, Mathew Henry offers the following explanation:
“At the feast of ingathering, as it is called, they must give God thanks for the harvest-mercies they had received, and must depend upon him for the next harvest, and must not think to receive benefit by that superstitious usage of some of the Gentiles, who, it is said, at the end of their harvest, seethed a kid in its dam’s milk, and sprinkled that milk-pottage, in a magical way, upon their gardens and fields, to make them more fruitful next year. But Israel must abhor such foolish customs.”
Exo 23:29, 30 Deliverance and conquest is a process to establish your land.
Exo 24:17, 18 When someone is in the fire of God, YHVH may be preparing them – so don’t judge.
Haftorah
Jeremiah 33:25-26 & 34:8-22
When the people turned back from obeying the sabbatical commandment to set the captives free, then YHVH judged them with the same judgment – torment, vexation and captivity.
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. (Matthew 7:2)
Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: (Galatians 3:21a)
Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. (Romans 7:12)
The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. (Proverbs 13:14)
B’rit Chadashah
Mathew 5:17-32, 5:38-42, 17:1-11
Yeshua came to establish the law - in its original intent, less man's additions:
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:17-19)
Yeshua established a higher standard than was practiced:
Ye have heard that it hath been said,.. (Matthew 5:38, 43)
But I say unto you, .. (Matthew 5:39, 44)
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
(Matthew 5:48)
The spirit of Elijah will again make straight the way of the Lord by the reestablishment of God's ways and laws upon the hearts of His people:
Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: (Malachi 4:4-5)
And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. (Matthew 17:10-11)
It is good to keep a watchful eye for the return of our Savior (Mat 24:44). But, let us not lose sight of the great transformation in His body, by the spirit of Elijah. that YHVH has planned to make us ready (once again) for His coming. The spirit of Elijah is a hope for the future (that we affirm at our Passover table) of repentance, power and God's glory - through us! Let us make ourselves ready. Hallelujah!
Shabbat Shalom,
Randy
File: Mishpatim 2011